YEA Lesson Library
Wait For God
About This Lesson
Using the story of how David became king of Judah and then Israel, and how long it took, the student will learn to apply the concept of waiting on God to his/her life.
Scriptures
1 Samuel 26:9
2 Samuel 2:1-32
2 Samuel 5:1-25
Psalm 37:3-7
Psalm 104:27-28
Matthew 6:33-34
John 14:1-4
John 16:33
Hebrews 11:13
1 Peter 3:14-15
Words to Know
PERISH - to die, to be destroyed
EVENTUALLY - at some point in the future
ESTABLISH - to set up
The Lesson
Have you ever waited eagerly for something you knew was coming? The Feast of Tabernacles? Thanksgiving? A visit from grandparents? A trip to your favorite park? A birthday present?
How patiently did you wait? Did you ask every five minutes when your grandparents would arrive? Did you search the whole house for your birthday present?
God promised David that he would be king over Israel. In fact, Samuel anointed David as king while David's father and brothers watched (1 Samuel 16). But God didn't make David the king right then. He had to wait. In fact, David didn't become king over Judah until 2 Samuel 2. And he didn't become king over all of Israel until 2 Samuel 5. We're talking about years! That is a long time to wait for God to give what He had promised!
But David didn't try to hurry things up. Twice David had the chance to kill King Saul and get the kingdom. But he didn’t, not even when the men with him wanted him to. Once when David and Abishai were standing near Saul while he was sleeping, Abishai wanted to kill King Saul for David. But David said, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 26:9-11).
When Saul killed himself and Jonathan was killed in battle, David mourned for both of them. He didn't secretly think, "Now! I’ll finally be king.” He was very sad. He even wrote a song that he ordered to be sung in Judah. He didn't immediately go and proclaim himself king over all of Israel either. David waited. Then he asked God where he should go. When God told David to go to Hebron, David still didn't declare himself king. It was the men of Judah who came to Hebron and anointed him king over the house of Judah.
Then Abner, a nephew of Saul and commander of Saul's army, decided to try to keep the kingdom for Saul's family. Abner took Ish-Bosheth, a son of Saul, and made him king over Israel. Then Abner took the fighting men to attack David. It was a disaster. Abner lost 360 men. David lost 20. But that didn't stop Abner. He continued to fight against David. But David grew stronger and Abner grew weaker.
Eventually Abner and Ish-Bosheth were both killed, although David didn't do it. But once these two men were dead, all of Israel came to David. They reminded David that he was an Israelite and that it was David who had led Israel's army when Saul was king. They also told David that it was God's will for him to become king over Israel. This was seven and a half years after David had become king over Judah. David then ruled both Judah and Israel for another 33 years.
Your memory verse says, "Trust in the LORD and do good." David knew long before he was finally made king that it was God's will for him to be king. But it would have been very wrong for David to try to help God fulfill His promise. Just because David would one day be king, he did not have the right to kill Saul and all of Saul's sons so that he could be king right away. David just waited.
God has also made promises to you. He has promised that all things will work out for your good if you love Him (Romans 8:28). But that doesn't mean that all things will be good all the time. They will eventually work out for your good. You have to trust God and wait for His promise. Jesus promised that He was going to prepare a place for us so that we would always live with God (John 14:1-4). Do we see that place? No. But we must trust God and live our lives believing that Jesus is preparing that place, God's Kingdom, for us. We don't always act as though we belong to God and that we have a place in God's Kingdom. Sometimes we live as if we belong to this world and its ways.
Your memory verse continues: "dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." We need to delight ourselves in the LORD--to want Him, to want to live in a way that pleases Him, to look forward to the time when He will be King.
David waited a long time for God to establish his kingdom over all of Israel. We may also have to wait a long time before Jesus returns and establishes His Kingdom on this earth. Or Jesus could return very soon. However long it takes, we should follow David's example of trusting God and doing good. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
Activity
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 45 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): Story Scramble - Time: 15 mins.
Song: “Do Lord" - page 72 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): Scripture Scramble! - Time: 20 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Waiting For the King
*Journal Jot: Wait
*Word Study: patiently - chûwl
*Just Toolin’ Around: Wait
*Did you Know? David’s Family
*Stretch It Out: Crowned King
*Music Notes: Christ is Coming
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Student Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We look forward to the day when Jesus returns as King of kings and
Lord of lords. Help us to wait patiently and to do good so that You are glorified.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Psalm 37:3-7
Monday - John 14:1-4
Tuesday - 1 Peter 3:14-15
Wednesday - Hebrews 11:13
Thursday - Matthew 6:33-34
Friday - John 16:33
Saturday - Psalm 104:27-28
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Tell how David became king first of Judah and then Israel.
2. Tell how Abner tried to keep Saul's kingdom going.
3. Relate how David waited for God to make him king.
4. Apply the concept of waiting on God to his/her life.
Topics & Themes
David
Jesus, King
Jesus, Return of
King
Trusting God
Waiting on God
Preparation
Remind the Students of their Ten-Week Challenge: Challenge the students to read as many chapters of the Bible as they can in ten weeks. Then design a project to show how many books they've completed. It could be a drawing with the names hidden in the drawing; a mobile with each dangling piece bearing the name of a book; a jigsaw puzzle with the names of the completed books; a chart; etc. The presentation is not the big thing; the focus is on how many chapters and books they actually read. Plan to provide prizes.
In our affluent society, self-gratification and planned obsolescence have developed a generation who believe that every desire should and must be met right now. Every time a child goes to the store, he wants a new toy. We can afford that toy and don't need the child to do household chores. So, unintentionally our children grow up not knowing the value of money, the importance of hard work, and the relationship between the two. This creates a generation that doesn't know how to wait for anything (delayed gratification) and doesn't have to work hard to achieve their goals (a good work ethic). And this translates to their entire lives: weight management, exercise, credit cards and managing debt, interpersonal relationships, and most importantly, faith in God. One lesson won't remedy the situation, but bit by bit children must learn to wait on God so it translates into their lives.
Make Story Scramble strips (see Activity). Cut three 11x17” sheets of paper into 4 strips. Print one sentence on each strip.
How to Teach This Lesson
After opening the class with prayer, say "Wait!" Read each situation to the class. Have them decide whether they can wait or not. 1) You have to go to the bathroom. Mom says wait. Can you? 2) You see a new bicycle on sale at the store. Your dad says wait. Can you? 3) You are hiking with your family when you feel a hot spot on your foot. When you tell Mom, she says wait. Can you? 4) You are hungry and want a snack 15 minutes before supper. Mom says wait. Can you? 5) You see a pair of shoes like all your friends have. You ask your dad to buy them, and he says wait. Can you? 6) Your toes reach the end of your shoes. You ask for new ones. Dad says wait. Can you?
Discussion of when to wait - What makes it impossible to wait in each situation? Are there times when you can't wait? Are there times when you can wait, but you just don't think you can? Go back through the situations and change them slightly; i.e., 1) You're on a car trip and are bored. You want to get out of the car, so you tell your mom you have to go to the bathroom. She says wait. Can you? Or, you're on a car trip and really have to go to the bathroom. Your mom says wait until she can find a spot. Can you wait? Talk about the difference in the scenarios.
David waited on God - Discuss how David became king of Judah and then Israel. Point out that David did not take matters into his own hands to gainthe kingdom; i.e., killing Saul. David relied on God, knowing that God would take care of it in His own time and in His own way. What a relief! What if your dad said he would buy you a new bike, and you see one on sale, as in example #2? What do you do? Should you tell your dad about it? Should you pester him to get it now? How long would you be willing to wait? Would you wait for years? Would you still trust that your dad would eventually buy you a bike? David waited for years to become king. He trusted God that much!
Waiting on God - God has promised that everything will work to the good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Note that this verse does not say that everything will be good - just that everything will work to the good. It also is not a promise for everyone, but a promise to those who love God. When things are rough in our lives, it's good to remember that David never quit trusting God. If we live our lives trusting God and loving Him, we too will gain a kingdom--the Kingdom of God--as sons and daughters of the King of the universe.
Review Questions
1. How did David eventually become king of Judah?
2. Why did Abner try to keep Saul's kingdom going? .
3. What eventually happened?
4. How did David become king of all of Israel?
5. Why didn't David kill Saul or Abner?
6. What lesson can we learn about waiting on God from David's life?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Story Scramble
Give each student one of the paper strips telling the events of the story. Have them rearrange the strips in order.
1) Saul chased and tried to kill David for years.
2) Twice David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he refused to lift his hand against God's anointed.
3) Saul killed himself and most of his sons died in battle.
4) When David asked God where he should go, God told him Hebron.
5) The men of Judah made David king over Judah.
6) Abner made Ish-Bosheth king over Israel.
7) Abner fought against David, but David continued to get stronger, while Abner got weaker.
8) Eventually Abner and Ish-Bosheth were killed.
9) Israel's men came to David to make him king over all of Israel.
10) David ruled Judah seven years and both Judah and Israel for 33 more years.
REACH Activity
Back to the Bible: Waiting For the King
So many times the Bible stories point to Jesus Christ. Go back through the story of David becoming king of Judah and Israel and find parallels to Jesus becoming king. Hint: Is Jesus King now? Of whom? When will He be King of all? How long did Jesus have to wait to receive the Kingship? Will there be fighting involved before Jesus becomes king? Think about these questions. Talk about the topic with your family. What other parallels can you find?
Journal Jot: Wait
How do you feel about waiting? Do you see anything good coming out of having to wait for something? What would happen if you got exactly what you wanted immediately? Would that be good? Would it always be good? Why or why not? Think about these questions and write about this topic in your Bible notebook.
Word Study: patiently - chûwl
In Psalm 37:7, we are exhorted to wait patiently for God. This Hebrew word translated “patiently” means “to turn in a circle, to whirl, to twist, to writhe; to wait, to hope; to cause to bring forth, to hope, to wait.” As in many Hebrew words, the context determines the meaning because this word can also mean “to be in labor (childbirth); to be afraid, to tremble, to reel; to revolve, to rage, to assault; to be terrified; to be grieved.” (Source: Zohdiates’ NAS Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, 1990, H#2342) These later meanings certainly wouldn’t fit the context of Psalm 37:7. But you can see how closely our waiting patiently can turn into waiting impatiently. It’s very closely related - and it all depends on how securely our faith rests on God and His promises to us.
Write this word, its definition, and the scripture reference in your Bible notebook.
Just Toolin’ Around: Wait
Using a concordance or Bible program, look up the word “wait.” In what context do you find this word used? Why does God tell us to wait for Him? Write what you find out in your Bible notebook.
Did you Know? David’s Family
Did you know that David’s sister Zeruiah’s son were an important part of David’s story? Joab was the commander of the army. Abishai and Asahel were Joab’s brothers. Asahel was killed by Abner. Abishai was one of David’s Mighty Men. You may wish to make a family tree diagram in your Bible notebook to keep track of how all of the people were related to one another.
Stretch It Out: Crowned King
Make a crown out of construction paper. Cover it with aluminum foil. Add fake jewels. Size it to fit your head. Then keep it in your room to remind yourself that someday we will throw our crowns before Jesus Christ. He IS King of kings and Lord of lords and all people will see that reality someday.
Music Notes: Christ is Coming
This hymn is on page 29 of the CEM Hymnal.
The author of this text for this hymn was John Ross MacDuff (1818-1895). He was a Scottish minister who served in both England and Scotland. His true passion, however, was writing books, poems, and hymns. He published several hymnals. Altar Stones had 31 of his hymns, including this one which he called “Maranatha,” which means “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Source: https://hymnsforworship.org/story-behind-christ-is-coming/)
When we talk about the things that we are waiting for, this is a big one!! We eagerly wait for the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. We long for that day when there will be no more death, no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more pain. As you sing this hymn, think about how knowing what we are waiting for helps us endure trouble right now. Find your favorite line in this hymn and write it in your Bible notebook.
Questions?
Write down any questions you have in your Bible notebook so that you can remember to ask your parents or your pastor.
Song
“Do Lord" is on page 72 of Kids Classics Collection. (This is a good song for this lesson because we have a "home in Gloryland”- if we take Jesus as our Savior.)
Closing Prayer
Lead the students in prayer asking for God's guidance and assistance in learning to trust Him and wait patiently for Him.
Printable Pages
